The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has pledged to expand and strengthen athletics competitions across the North-East to boost youth participation and talent discovery in the region.
The commitment was made by the AFN’s North-East Zonal Representative, Adamu Babayo Gabarin, at the closing ceremony of the maiden Under-17 North-East Athletics Championship held in Bauchi.
Gabarin, who also serves as Bauchi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, said the federation is determined to deepen its support for athletics and other sporting activities across the six states in the zone.
He was represented at the event by the acting permanent secretary of the ministry, Abdullahi Ibrahim.
According to him, the championship was conceived as a platform to identify emerging athletes who could be groomed for future zonal and national competitions. He urged participants who did not secure medals to continue training ahead of subsequent editions.
Also speaking, the Head of Technical at the Bauchi State Sports Council, Coach Bala Magaji Juwara, commended the AFN zonal representative for initiating the competition, noting that it would motivate young athletes and revitalise athletics in the region.
Juwara disclosed that 80 athletes — male and female — competed in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, and long jump events at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
At the end of the championship, Bauchi’s Devine Gabriel emerged overall winner in the male category, securing two gold, one silver and two bronze medals. In the female category, Emmanuel Emmanuela, also from Bauchi, finished tops with three gold, one silver and one bronze.
On the overall medals table, Bauchi State finished first with seven gold, four silver and three bronze medals, followed by Gombe, while Borno State placed third.
A total of 36 medals — 12 gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze — were awarded at the inaugural Under-17 North-East Athletics Championship.
